2013 Second Flight

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Second Flight simply sings of spiced blueberries, black forest cake and preserved plums with suggestions of star anise, baker’s chocolate, fertile loam and dried Provence herbs with a hint of lavender. Big, concentrated, full-bodied and packed to the gills with black fruits, exotic spice and floral layers, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epic length and loads of layers. Still very taut, it needs at least another 2-3 years in bottle. Interestingly, this full-on hedonistic vintage has one of the largest Merlot contributions ever for this wine: 65% Merlot with 13% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Cabernet Franc.

Moving to the 2013s, the 2013 Second Flight is more powerful than the 2014 yet doesn’t lose a beat with regards to elegance and purity. A blend of 65% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, its deep purple color is followed by terrific notes of black cherries, spice-box, chocolate, and violets nuances. From a vintage that has a compressed harvest and tiny yields, this beauty is full-bodied, has beautiful purity and a finesse-driven, elegant slant that makes it a joy to drink. It will keep for 15-20 years. This small estate located off the Silverado Trail in Oakville produced two reds: A Merlot dominated Second Flight release, and the grand vin Screaming Eagle which is always close to 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot and Cabernet Franc. While it’s easy to think all iconic wines are huge, opulent and over the top, nothing could be further from the truth at this estate and while these are all powerful, concentrated wines, it’s their understated elegance, purity and finesse-driven style that’s the hallmark. Prices are in the absurd stratosphere, but these are incredible, compelling, singular wines.

Moving to the 2013s, the 2013 Second Flight is more powerful than the 2014 yet doesn’t lose a beat with regards to elegance and purity. A blend of 65% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Franc, and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, its deep purple color is followed by terrific notes of black cherries, spice-box, chocolate, and violets nuances. From a vintage that has a compressed harvest and tiny yields, this beauty is full-bodied, has beautiful purity and a finesse-driven, elegant slant that makes it a joy to drink. It will keep for 15-20 years.